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Focahonfas 



By 
TECUMTHA 



Member of the International Literary 
Association 



Published by 

THE UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

Natura, Normal, Illinois, U. S. A. 

1906. 



.0 43 ^t 


LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two Cootes Received 

JUL 10 ^906 

C Copyriehi Entry , 
' CL^SS ^ XXc. NO. 





Copyright, 1906, by 
EDWIN OLIVER ROPP. 

All rights reserved. 



Press of 

Bloomington Ptg. c& Sta. Co. 
moomington, III. 



. >> 



INTRODUCTION. 

History and the drama have each their dis- 
tinct and separate spheres. The drama is 
especially suited for the illustration of moral 
quality. A biographical work must of neces- 
sity confine itself to facts which may, should 
any question arise, be authenticated from some 
reliable eoiirce. 

The dramatist is eminently an analyst of 
character. He employs the facts where he 
finds them adaptable to his purpose. In other 
cases he transforms actual occurrences — trans- 
figures them where possible — addingf what 
probably occurred, what was probably said, and 
in remote instances, where he wishes to idealize 
his hero or heroine, describing- circumstances 
which may never have occurred, but to which, 
had they taken place, his hero or heroine 
would, in the dramatist's judg-ment, have sus- 
tained a relation similar to that of the char- 
acter he describes. 

While the writer finds himself always best 
satisfied with his task when his drama most 
nearly approaches an accurate portrayal of 
history, yet it would be well-nigh impossible to 
poetically dramatize the actual historic facts 
concerning' any character, so few of his actual 
words being" usually recorded. 



POCAHONTAS. 



Withal, the writer hopes to instruct his read- 
ers by constantly keeping- in view the prime 
motive of a dramatist's labor which is, the 
poetic interpretation of heroic character. 

It is entirely fitting- that the three hundredth 
anniversary of the founding" of the Jamestown 
Settlement be celebrated in Virg-inia. The 
writer desires that this volume be regarded as 
his contribution to the Jamestown Exposition 
of 1907. 



BIOGRAPHY. 



POCAHONTAS. 

Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan, the In- 
dian Chief, was born about the year 1595. 

Her heroism in saving- the life of Captain 
Smith was an act which shall forever place her 
name among the noblest in all history's annals. 

In 1613 she became the wife of a young- 
Englishman named Rolf e and they were hap- 
pily married in the little Jamestown church, 
which was prettily decorated with wild flowers 
for the occasion. 

Before marriage she received baptism and 
was given the Christian name of Pvebecca. 

Three years later, accompanied by her hus- 
band, she visited London. Her simple manner 
and genial disposition won all hearts and she 
was everywhere welcomed. 

The following year, 1617, while preparing for 
the return voyage to her native land with her 
husband and infant son, she suddenly passed to 
a heroine's reward. 

CAPTAIN JOHN SMITH. 

Captain John Smith, son of George Smithy 
was born in 1580, in England. 



POCAHONTAS. 



At about fifteen years of ag^e he drifted into 
France and for ten 3'ears led a life of adventure 
in Europe, Asia and Africa. 

In 1607 he sailed for America with an expedi- 
tion of three ships, the Susan Constant of 100 
tons, commanded by Captain C. Newport, the 
GodSpeedoi 40 tons, commanded by Bartholomew 
Gosnold, and a pinnacle of 20 tons, commanded 
by J. Ratcliffe. There were 140 colonists and 
40 sailors on board. 

The fleet reached Dominica in the West In- 
dies, March 24, 1607, and the main land x\pril 
26, 1607. 

In an order for the colony's g^overnment 
brougrht with them and opened on reaching 
their destination, Smith was named as one of 
a council of seven to select an annual president 
who with the council should govern the colony. 
The three ship captains were also named as 
members of this council and Smith was himself 
at one time named president of the colon}-. 

Want of food proved to be the chief obstacle 
encountered by the colonists. ''Our food was 
but a small can of barley sodden in water, to 
five men a day," says one writer. Many of the 
colonists died of hungrer. Smith volunteered 
to procure food from the Indians. At first he 
was successful in this but was finally and only 
after a courag"eous strug-grle captured by Ope- 
canchanougrh, brother of Powhatan, whom he 
succeeded in 161S. 



POCAHONTAS. 



Smith attracted the attention of the Indians 
by entertaining- them with the peculiar quali- 
ties of his compass, explanations reg^arding- the 
movements of the heavenly bodies and other 
devices. 

However, about January 5, 1608, he was taken 
to Powhatan at Werowocomoco, the Indian 
villagfe. 

After a long- powwow the braves decided 
upon the execution of Smith. His arms were 
bound. His head was placed on a stone. The 
hugfe war-club of Powhatan was raised. At 
this moment Pocahontas, the king-'s dearest 
daughter, seeing^ that no entreaty would pre- 
vail, threw her arms about Smith and laid her 
own head upon his to prevent the fatal blow. 

Her heroism was rewarded. The savage club 
was lowered and Smith was ag^ain accorded 
liberty. The Indians ever after proved his 
friends and Pocahontas often visited the colony 
with baskets of maize for the settlers. 

Smith left Jamestown October 4, 1609, re- 
turning- to Engfland and though afterwards 
visiting^ various points in North America, he 
never again returned to Jamestown. The last 
years of his life were devoted to writing. 

On June 21, 1631, he passed to his reward. 
His ashes rest in Saint Sepulchre's Church, 
London. 



DEDICATION. 

To honor those whose statesmanship andlig"ht, 
Construct the Panama Canal we write; 
To all who dwell in universal place, 
Regfardless of their color, clime or race; 
To human hearts, in one respect the same. 
They love the blaze of heroism's flame; 
To him whose glory near and far is famed, 
The man for v/hom your humble scribe is 
named; 
To the Great Father's love, whose joys increase, 
Tecumtha humbly dedicates this piece. 



POCAHONTAS. 



Time. — The Seventeenih Century. 
Places. — Virginia and England. 

CHARACTERS. 

Powhatan, the Sachem. 

Pocahontas, daughter of Powhatan. 

Osceola, the Counselor. 

Hiawatha. 

Minnehaha. 

Opecanchanough, brother of Powhatan 

Samoset, the Messenger. 

Geronimo, the Warrior. 

Canonicus. 

Black Hawk. 

Choctaw, the Stone Worker. 

The Medicine Man. 

Braves. 

Indians. 

Willy. ^ Children of Rolfe and 

Minnie, j Pocahontas. 

William, the English Quaker. 



12 POCAHONTAS. 

Roger, the Relii::ionist. 

RoLFE, the Cavalier. 

Smith. 

Pastor. 

Soldier. 

Chief Formalist. 

Lord Mayor. 

Colonists. 

Guests. 



Act! 

Scene I. 

THE POWWOW. 

Time,— 1607. Night. 
Place. — Werowocomoco. 

Powhatan. 

Pocahontas. 

Hiawatha. 

Minnehaha. 

Osceola. 

The Medicine Man. 

Samoset. 

Geronimo. 

Indians. 

The Indians dance around a camp fire to 
an accompaniment ofwierd music. Braves 
and Squaws emerge from the wigwams to 
join in the dance. Finally the music ceases 
and the Indians toss themselves about the 
camp fire. 



14 POCAHONTAS. 

POWHATAN. 

Ye gallant Braves the wilderness is ours; 
Each bud that blossoms, every tree that 

towers, 
And spreads its branches in majestic sway; 
Song birds whose early music heralds day; 
Fish, buffaloes, deer, everything that lives, 
Are gifts the Great Almighty Spirit gives. 

HIAWATHA. 

Beloved Sachem, it is even so. 
His Spirit sends the rain that maize may 
grow. 

MINNEHAHA. 

His dew and sunlight make the flowers 
bloom 

THE MEDICINE MAN. 

His wondrous skill distills their sweet per- 
fume 

POWHATAN. 

To Osceola. 
What sayest thou? 

OSCEOLA. 

My counsel shall be 
brief. 



POCAHONTAS 



15 



To Braves . 
Prove faithful to the Spirit and the Chief. 
Pocahontas appears. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Beloved Father, Chieftain of iis all, 
Pray come with nie to see the water fall. 
The laughing water chants a charming 

lay, 
Where silver moonlight mingles with the 

spray. 



We go. 




POWHATAN. 




Adieu 


brave:s. 


Appears. 


SAMOSET. 



Nay, stay! The strangest 
news! 

The Spirit's messengers of brightest hues! 

POVVHATAN. 

What sawest thou ? 



shore, 



SAMOSET. 

A ship from yonder 



16 /' O C A HONT A S . 

A great canoe that sailed without an oar! 
One sailor spoke to me. His face was 

white, 
His countenance was beautiful as light! 

OSClvOIvA. 
What said he then? 

SAMOSET. 

He seemed to wish me 

well, 

Thoui;h what his language was I cannot 
tell. 

My heart with love his seeming wish re- 
turned, 

"While with astonishment my bosom burned. 

POWHATAN. 

What counsel now? 

OSCEOLA. 

These are the strang- 
est things. 

HIAWATHA. 

Perchance these messengers are Heaven's 
Kings. 

GEROXIMO. 
Greet not in haste such sailors of the sea, 
Perhaps they are but warriors as we. 



POCAHONTAS. 17 

OSCEOLA. 
Methinks, my friends, that we should know 

far more, 
Before we either battle or adore. 

POWHATAN. 

Then go we armed. Geronimo be thou 
And Hiawatha my companions now. 
Braves watch for us. Come when we call. 
Adieu. 

Geronimo and Hiawatha disappear with 
Poivhatan. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Baises her eyes to Heaven in prayer. 
Great Spirit be his Good Companion, too. 



Scene II. 
VIRGINIA. 
Place. — Jamestown. 

William. 

ROLFE. 

Smith. 
Settlers. 



18 POCAHONTAS 



WILUAM. 

These are the lands Columbus gave the 
world. 

ROLFE. 

Above them England's banner floats un- 
furled. 

We, loyal courtiers of The Virgin Queen, 

These lands that first by English eyes were 
seen, 

Do claim as realm of hers. 

WIIvIvIAM. 

Then why not 
call 
The realm Virginia. 

FIRST SETTLER. 
Good. 

SMITH. 

Apijroved of all. 

WILLIAM. 

To farther honor our sovereign's fame. 
ROLFE. 

Virginia shall forever be its name. 



POCAHONTAS. 19 

Scene III. 

TPIE WATERFALL. 

Powhatan. 
Pocahontas. 

Powhatan on his reUirnfrorn the expeAi- 
tion with his companions meets Pocahontas 
at the Waterfall. 

POCAHONTAS. 

What have ye learned. 

POWHATAN. 

Small knowledge 
have we got. 
They spoke to us. We understood them 

not. 
This w^ilderness our tribe hath loved so well, 
Is also an abode where others dwell. 
They signed we should exchange. We took 

it so. 

Exhibits some English coins. 

They gave me these for wampum, darts and 
bow. 



20 POCAHONTAS. 

Shows her a golden ring. 
One they called Eolfe slipped off this little 

band, 
And from his finger placed it on my hand. 
My love in turn bestows it upon thee. 

Gives Pocahontas the ring. 
Forever may its wearer happy be. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Joyously slips the circlet on her finger. 
The wearer thanks her Father's love. 

Holds lip her hand containing the ring. 
Behold! 

POWHATAN. 

His daughter is most welcome to the gold. 

Turns to the waterfall. 
Magnificent, good Maiden, it is true, 
A fascinating and fantastic view, 
My heart oft wonders. 

POCAHONTAS. 

At what can it be? 

POWHATAN. 

That Heaven gave me such a girl as thee, 
My heart could forfeit anything for thine. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Mine almost deems thy placid mind divine. 



POCAHONTAS. 21 

POWHATAN. 

My love for Pocahontas knows no bounds. 
Both reverently how their heads in 
prayer. 

Great Spirit guide us to the hunting 
grounds. 



Act II. 

Scene I. 

BANISHMENT. 

Time, — Sunset. 

Place. — Under the trees. 

RoGKR. 

WlIvLIAM. 

Chief Formaust. 
Colonists. 

ROGER. 

All, William, Friend, these wild men of the 

wood, 
Discard much that we civilized count good. 
They rule their lives by no pre-ordered 

chart, 
What fascination dwells at Nature's heart! 

WILLIAM. 

Friend Roger, true, they rove at liberty, 
Perform their daily living merrily; 



POCAHONTAS. 



23 



With care-free hearts they glide athwart 
the ofleii 



wlV^il, 



Wild, frank and free, yet level-minded men. 

CHIEF FORMALIST. 

One thing they lack to guide them through 

life's storms. 
These wild men must conform to our forms. 

WIIvWAM. 

Some hearts among them Heaven's path 
have trod. 

ROGER. 
Friends, their Great Spirit is the white 
man's God. 

CHIEF FORMAIylST. 

We worship not some heathen deity. 

ROGER. 
Some hearts among them beat most ten- 
derly. 

CHIEF FORMAUST. 

Yea, let them beat by passion's tempests 
tossed, 

Unless they choose our doctrine they are 
lost. 

ROGER. 
Lo, every bird that sails the azure sea, 



24 POCAHONTAS. 

And every fish that swims in jocund glee, 
Yon buffaloes that graze where grass is tall, 
The Father's love provideth for them all. 
The Indians are our brothers. All on earth 
Are children, Friends. One Father gave 
us birth. 

CIIIKF FORMAUST. 
Know that the great professors are incensed ; 
Strange doctrine we must strictly guard 

against; 
It overturns our formulated plan, 
Teach further and you shall be banished? 

man. 

ROGER. 
The Father's love hath meant so much to 

me, 
My hope is it may set all beings free. 
Shall not His blessings, even now so rife. 
Exalt all to eternal, joyous life? 

CHIEF FORMAUST. 

Nay, Roger, know that you must either go, 
Or else refrain from further speaking so. 

ROGER. 
Since you demand it and your word is law, 



POCAHONTAS. 25 



To worship God, then, Roger shall with- 
draw. 
Good Fiieiids, adieu, 'tis sweeter to be free, 
Where Nature formulates the sole decree, 
Than to abide where much we love is taught, 
But where there is no liberty of thought. 
Roger disappears in the forest. 

WILLIAM. 

'Tis ever so, who teaches something new, 
Is thrust aside most deeply loved by few; 
Yet who for noble reasons risks his fame, 
Posterity pays tribute to his name. 



Scene II. 

THE HEART OF A WILDERNESS. 

Hiawatha. 
Osceola. 
Black Hawk. 
Canonicus. 
William. 

ROLFE. 

Black Haivk and Canonicus armed. 

Hiawatha and Osceola following. 



26 POCAHONTAS. 

HIAWATHA. 

See yonder eagle using wings for oars. 
Look Osceola how he sails and soars. 

OSCEOLA. 

An eagle's majesty! 

HIAWATHA. 

A noble theme! 

OSCEOLA. 

An eagle's freedom is a wild man's dream ! 
Observe he poises in the heavenly vast. 

HIAWATHA. 

So may man's spirit safely rest at last. 

OSCEOLA. 

Ah, who can tell us whence man's spirit 
goes? 

HIAWATHA. 

The Spirit of the universe. 

OSCEOLA. 

He knows. 

HIAWATHA. 

Pauses to drink at a cool forest spring 
by which they are passing. 
Friend Osceola it is sweet to think, 
That all from the celestial spring shall 
drink, 



POCAHONTAS. 27 

That whoso quaffs the draught hia soul 

si 1 all wear, 
The perfectness that blooms forever fair. 
Black Hawk and Canonicus hasten back. 

CANONICUS. 

Watch well yourselves! 

BLACK HAWK. 

Two whites are draw- 
ing near! 

OSCKOIvA. 

Come, armies, Osceola knows no fear! 

Canonicus and Black Hawk spring into 
neighboring thickets. Hiawatha and Os- 
ceola conceal themselves behind trees. 
William and Rolfe appear. 

ROLFE. 

This wilderness is wondrous to behold. 

WILLIAM. 

Its dark hued denizens were wondrous bold, 

In visiting our colony alone, 

All strangers as we were, so little known. 

Canonicus, unseen by them, keeps an 
arrow well-aimed at the sira?igers. Os- 
ceola and Hiawatha suddenly emerge from 



28 POCAHONTAS. 

concealment. Eolfe and William step back 
astonished. 

WII.I.IAM. 

Halloo! 

ROLFE. 

Clinches his gun a Utile tighter. 

What means your presence here? 

HIAWATHA AND OSCEOI.A, 

Halloo! 

ROLFE. 

Come ye as foes? 

WILLIAM. 

Or come ye without 
bow? 

OSCEOLA. 

We wander in the wilderness we love. 

HIAWATHA. 

Behold, unarmed. Friends, hail ye from 
above ? 

WILLIAM. 

We sailed across the sea blue as the sky, 
Where billows roll. 

ROLFE. 
Whose waves are moun- 
tain high. 



POCAHONTAS, 29 

WII.I.IAM. 

We sailed and watched for weeks, day after 
day. 

ROIvI^E. 

Our native land is many miles away. 

WIIvUAM. 

Our vales grow flowers, too. Our timbers rise 
In majesty like yours. 

ROLFE. 

Our Country lies 
In the direction of the rising sun. 
Our countrymen have countless glories won. 
Now on these shores floats England's flag 

unfurled, 
No fairer banner floats in all the world ! 
OSCEOI.A. 

Claim ye these lands? 

ROI.FK. 

As fruits of our toil. 
Lo, all ye red men dwell on English soil! 

HIAWATHA. 

Yon darts a deer. 

OSCEOLA. 

Bounds on no beaten 
track. 



30 POCAHONTAS. 

HIAWATHA. 

'Tis free! 

The deer darts past them. Canonicus 
and Black Hawk start after it with a 
whoop. 

CANONICUS AND BIvACK HAWK. 

Wo-ack, Wo-ack, ha hack Wo-ack. 
Hiawatha and Osceola disappear as 
suddenly as they came leaving Bolfe and 
William in mute wonderment. 



Scene III. 

THE FAMINE. 

Time. — Winter. 
Place. — Jamestown. 

WlIvUAM. 
ROLFE. 

Smith. 

ROLFE. 

Who could have guessed on leaving En- 
gland's shore, 



POCAHONTAS 



31 



That such a destiny, so hard and sore, 
Awaited us across the bright, blue sea? 

WII.LIAM. 

Yet many bear far harder fates than we. 
To die of hunger is a bitter draught. 

WILUAM. 
A cup that many men have gladly quaffed. 
The fear of death have multitudes with-' 

stood, 
'Tis sweet to give one's life for human good, 
To yield one's earthly vessel, sails and helm,' 
To win a cabin in some better realm. 
Lo, Roger plunged into the forest deep 
Without a murmur, climbed the dangerous 

steep. 
And now behold, though lost to our view. 
The Spirit hovers over Roger, too. 
Smiih appears. 

SMITH. 
We have had pain enough . To give it pause. 
The time has come. We must remove the 

cause. 
The cause is hunger. 



32 POCAHONTAS. 

ROLFK. 

Most correctly viewed. 

SMITH. 

And hunger plainly comes from lack of food. 

WIIvLIAM. 

Kind Providence shall feed us. 

ROIvF^. 

Where or 

when? 

What boots philosophy for hungry men? 

SMITH. 

Food we shall have, and from the Indians' 

fare, 
Smith shall obtain it, Friends, or perish 

there. 

WHvIvIAM. 

Nay, Smith, you play too generous a part. 

ROLFE. 

Go hungry. Die not by an Indian's dart. 

SMITH. 

What evidences are there for alarm? 
Or that the Indians even wish us harm? 
When have they hurt a hair of any head? 
We must have bread. 



POCAHONTAS. 33 

ROLFE. 

Then let me go in- 
stead. 

Should you be lost the colony would die, 
And not a soul to tell the reason why. 

SMITH. 

It is my plan. 

R0L1?K. 

Mine is a younger heart. 

SMITH. 

My sturdy hand shall execute the part. 

Though veins of youth flow quick, impul- 
sive blood, 

In age experience is a mighty flood. 

Thy courage no one questions. Sharp thine 
eyes, 

This feat needs more — a mind discreet and 
wise. 

Guard well the camp . Let hope's glad fires 
burn, 

Till Smith, if fate decrees it, shall return. 
Smith disappears in the forest. 



Act III. 



Scene I. 

THE VISIT. 

Time — Noon. 

Place — The Indian Village. 

Powhatan, the; Haughty. 

Hiawatha. 

Osceola. 

Geronimo. 

Choctaw. 

Black Hawk. 

Canonicus. 

Samoset. 

Pocahontas. 

Minnehaha. 

Indians. 

Smith. 

Powhatan and Hiawatha conversing. 

Osceola in a reverie. 

Geronimo sharpening his tomahaick. 



POCAHONTAS. 35 

Chodmv^ the expert Indian stoneworker, 
making arrows. 

Black Haivk and Canonicus amusing 
themselves with the boiv. 

Pocahontas grinding maize with a crtide 
barbarian millstone. 

Minnehaha doing bead tcork. 

Indians busy with their duties. 

HIAWATHA. 

How wild the life we love. 

POWHATAN. 

And wilder still, 
The whoop of battle's fascinating thrill. 

HIAWATHA. 

My spirit loves these woods where Beauty's 

gleam 
Peeps from the heart of every purling 

stream ; 
Where birds employ most tenderly their 

powers, 
In serenading glorious forest flowers. 

POWHATAN. 

My spirit loves the honor of our tribe. 
Let every noble heart on earth imbibe 



36 POCAHONTAS. 

A pure affection for his Native land; 

For love of Country let each patriot stand. 

Whoever against my Country drives the 

storm, 
Shall fall or rise above my fainting form! 
Samosei appears. 

SAMOSET. 

A white man is approaching us. 



GERONIMO. 

Springing up. 

OSCEOLA. 

Be diligent in exercising care. 



Beware I 



POWHATAN. 

Pray, why should we not meet the whites 

again ? 
*Tis well that we learn further of these men. 

GERONIMO. 

They come as spies to ferret out our site. 
Mark, we shall be assailed some inky night. 
Smith appears. Geronimo, Canonicus 
and Black Hawk glide atvay unobserved. 

SMITH. 

Good morning, Friends. 



POCAHONTAS. yj 

HIAWATHA. 

We wish thee 
equal cheer. 

OSCEOLA. 

Be seated. 

POWHATAN. 

Pray, what business brings you 
here? 

Smith seats himself, astonished that the 
Indians appear so little surprised at his 
arrival. 

SMITH. 

My business is a sorry quest for food; 
These woods once novel now seem cold and 
rude, 

Each dreary day that passes grows more 

dull, 
We starve like rats on some deserted hull. 

POWHATAN. 

What is thy name ? 

SMITH. 

Smith. ^^^ P'°P'' "^" ""^ 

We wish to buy some maize of you. 

POWHATAN. 

Wherewith? 



38 POCAHONTAS. 

SMITH. 

Holds out a handful of gold coins. 
In our land these shining coins, behold, 
Are nsed for buying things. They are of 

gold. 
For hungry Settlers food alone allures, 
Give us some maize, the glittering coins 
are yours. 

POWHATAN. 

His lack of hospitality excuse; 

Thy small request must Powhatan refuse. 

SMITH. 

Exhibits his compass. 
Behold this compass, turn it as you will, 
Yet to the North Star points the needle 

still. 
This curious instrument of brass is mine, 
Give us but maize, the compass shall be 

thine. 

POWHATAN. 

His seeming harshness pray thee to excuse. 
This new request must Powhatan refuse. 

SMITH. 

Shows them his watch. 
Lo, with this little instrument you may 
At any moment tell the time of day. 



POCAHONTAS. 39 



For when the hands are here in time's swift 
flight, 

Points to the noon hour. 
'Tis either noon or else 'tis midmost night. 
And when the hands are so, 

Turns the hands to the six o'clock hour. 

the moments 
run 

About the rising or the setting sun. 
These hands are moved by springs on lit- 
tle reels, 
And by a multitude of tiny wheels. 
Opens to the worlds of the watch. 

OSCE01.A. 
Most wondrous instrument! 

SMITH. 

Winds the watch. 

Wound once 
a day. 

Pray give us maize and keep the watch for 
pay. 

POWHATAN. 

My firm resolve you may, or not, excuse, 
Know, all your barterings we shall refuse! 



40 POCAHONTAS. 

SMITH. 

Then have ye no regard for dying men? 

POWHATAN. 

Pray, what regard then show your people 

when 
They would deprive the Indians of their 

lands, 
And drive away the straggling Indian 

bands ? 

SMITH. 

This wilderness, my Friends, is not so 

small, 
Like Heaven, 'tis great enough to hold us 

all. 

POWHATAN. 

Then why claim ye this land? 

SMITH. 

Because 
'tis fit. 
Did not two Englishmen discover it? 

POWHATAN. 

Ah, Smith, thine is a most peculiar view, 
Then you are ours, since we discovered 
you. 



POCAHONTAS. 41 



SMITH. 

Smith is no mendicant. In honest deals 
He would have purchased maize; begs not 

nor steals. 
You have withheld it; then my visit ends; 
Perhaps upon your maize our fate depends. 
Smith braved not many deaths that you 

may vow, 
To bend his knee unto an Indian now. 
Your firm resolve is spoken as we know, 
It doubtless shall remain firm. 

POWHATAN. 

Even 60. 

SMITH. 

Too often Smith his nearest end eschewed, 
To perish now from merest lack of food. 
Should Destiny decree it, let us die. 
Smith shall at least meet death with fear- 
less eye. 
The Indians, marveling at his courage, 
permit Smith to depart unmolested. 



42 POCAHONTAS. 

Scene II. 

CHARITY. 

Time — Sunset. 
Place— The Forest. 

Minnehaha. 

Smith. 

Smith plodding wearily along on his 
homeivard journey, suddenly finds himself 
in the presence of Mimiehaha. 

MINNKHAHA. 

White Father, pray be kind and pardon me 
For lack of modesty in meeting thee 
Alone here in this wild, secluded spot. 

SMITH. 

Fair, youthful maid my heart upbraids thee 
not. 

MINNEHAHA. 

Thy courage is with Indian love bedewed. 
What suffering must come from lack of food. 
Compassion beats beneath a woman's breast. 
Hands Smith a basketful of provisions. 
Accept this maize. May those you love 
be blest. 



POCAHONTAS. 43 



SMITH. 
And if they ask — 



MINNEHAHA. 

Where thou the corn didst 
find? 

Falls to her knees ivWi hawed head. 
Say: Minnehaha loves all human kind. 

Smith reverenihj places his hand on the 
head of Minnehaha. 

SMITH. 

May Heaven ever keep tliee kind and whole; 
May the Great Father guard thy generous 
soul. 
Smith takes her hand and raises Minne- 
haha to her feet. 

Smith is a restless rover upon earth, 
Accounted oft perhaps of little worth; 
A rough, unpolished man, though blunt and 

rude, 
His Spirit yields thee worlds of gratitude. 



44 POCAHONTAS. 

Scene III. 
THE WHITE MAN'S CAMP. 

Time. — Evening. 

Place. — The Jamestown Settlement. 

William. 

ROLFE. 

Smith, President oi^ the Colony. 

Soldier. 

Indian. 

Settlers. 

SMITH. 

How strange these wild men of the wilder- 
ness. 

FIRST SETTLER. 
Most shy. 

ROLEE. 
Yet bold. 

WILLIAM. 

And ready to suppress 
Suspicion. 

SOLDIER. 
One they called Geronimo, 
Used passing well his arrow, spear and bow. 

WILLIAM. 
Their childlike frankness is a polished gem; 



POCAHONTAS. 45 

How curious must we settlers seem to them. 

SOI.DIER. 
My breast shares not thy trust good Quaker 

Bard, 
But rather warns. Be ever on thy guard. 

SMITH. 

Thinkst they would harm ? 

R0I,FE. 

What know we 
of these men? 

Their origin, from whence they came, or 
when? 

SECOND SETTLER. 

That they can shoot and use their arrows 
well! 

SOLDIER. 

That battle brews a soldier's heart can tell ! 
The slight rustle of a dry leaf turns all 
eyes toivard a thicket from which darts an 
Indian at full speed. 

SOLDIER. 
Shoots. 
A spy! 

THIRD SETTLER. 

He flies! 



46 POCAHONTAS 



FOURTH se:tti.er. 

Behold he scales the hilll 

WILLIAM. 

Can it be possible he wills us ill? 

SMITH. 

To arms! Let not an eye be closed tonight. 
Guard well the camp until the break of light. 



Scene IV. 
THE PRAYER OF JNIINNEHAHA. 

Great Spirit, Thou who dwellest far aloft, 
Make Thou good Hiawatha's pillow soft. 
Some one has pierced him, whereupon he 

swooned, 
Make him to rise in health. Heal Thou 

his wound. 
Why should men suffer? Why the galling 

tear 
Go tricking down to drown the smile of 

cheer? 
Thou knowest . Hast for man a recompense ; 
Thy sunlight gloweth on however dense 
The clouds. Stream through the windows 

of his soul. 
And make good Hiawatha's spirit whole. 



Act IV. 

Scene I. 

THE COUNCIL. 

Place. — Tlie Indian CamiJ. 
All the Braves except Hiaivatha, tvho is 
in a tepee. 

POWHATAN. 

Ye Braves ! Like sturdy mountains let us 

stand 
In bold defence of this, our native land! 
This wilderness until the present day, 
Our tribe has held in undisputed sway. 

GERONIMO. 

Behold, the white man's beauteous emerald 

bower. 
Conceals a thorn beneath its fairest flower. 

POWHATAN. 

Our Hiawatha bleeds with swooning heart, 
Lies in the camp pierced by the white man's 
dart. 



48 POCAHONTAS. 

Gi:RONIMO. 

They seek this land; its every bud and gem, 
They fain would have us yield the field to 
them. 

POWHATAN. 

What shall we say? 

CANONICUS. 

That we shall never 
yield I 

THE BRAVES. 

Nay! 

OSCEOLA. 

That we shall forever hold the field! 

POWHATAN. 

This be the message then. We die or win! 

CANONICUS. 

A bunch of arrows in a serpent's skin I 
Proceeds to arrange the arrows. 

These deadly darts wrapped in this rattle- 
snake, 

Shall doubtless make our deadly foemen 
quake! 

POWHATAN. 

Go, Friend Canonicus, guard well thy feet, 
Fling them the message swiftly, then retreat 



POCAHONTAS. 



49 



Canonicus hounds into the forest carry ^ 
ing his crude quiver of arrows. 

OSCEOLA. 
Thou Spirit of all battles lead the way. 

POWHATAN. 

Great Spirit give us victory today ! 



Scene II. 
THE CHALLENGE. 
Time.— Dusk. 
Place. — Jamestown. 

William. 

Rolfe:. 

Smith. 

Soldier. 

Colonists. 

Canonicus. 

The Colonists enjoy the rest of tiviligki 
quiet. 

Canonicus for an instant shows his face 
among the shrubbery, but immediately van- 
tshes after tossing some object into the camp. 



50 POCAHONTAS. 

CANONICUS. 

Taste these ! 

SMITH. 

Bushing toivard the shriihhery shouting. 
What means this trespass! 
Men, to arms! 

roli^e:. 
Picking up ihe object tossed hy Canonicus. 
Behold! 

FIRST COI.ONIST. 

It doubtless means a thousand 
harms. 
A thorough examincdion reveals nothing 

SMITH. 

These Indians are an agile, wary foe, 
Like apparitions dart they to and fro. 
An instant seen they vanish into air, 
Investigation proves no man is there. 
They fear lest we shall rob them of their 

land. 
What tossed he Rolfe? What boldest in 

thy hand ? 

Draws oid an arroio. 
Some poisoned arrows. 



POCAHONTAS. 51 



Tries Us edge. 

Sharp as dagger 
blade. 

Gives the quiver to Smith. 

SMITH. 

A quiver such as white man never made. 
A rattler's skin. 

SOIvDiER. 

Draivs out another arrow. 

"Taste these," he said. 
Bequeath 
To them for this the taste of serpent's teeth ! 

WIIvIvIAM. 

Let moderation mark our every act. 

SMITH. 

The Indians may be pacified with tact. 

SOLDIER. 
Who fears these skulking hounds? At 

break of day, 
A battle would be but a morning's play. 

WILUAM. 

At first they were our Friends. 

SMITH. 

'Twere well 
as then, 



52 POCAHONTAS. 

Could we regain their confidence again. 

WIIvWAM. 

Give me the quiver. 

Smith hands him the quiver and William 
examines the arrows. 

Who could e'er have 
guessed, 

That these once friendly arrows would mo- 
lest? 

SMITH. 

Men leave the task to me. Watch well 

• tonight. 
My task begins with early morning light. 

Smith is entitled to our high regard, 
He found us food when famine threatened 
hard. 

WIIvLIAM. 

We trust you, Smith, to form some friendly 

plan, 
High Heaven makes one family of man. 
Man's foe is his propensity to fight. 
Peace is the Guardian Angel of his light. 



POCAHONTAS. 53 



Scene III. 

THE HEROIC DEED. 

Time.—Morning, January 5, 1608. 
Flace.~The Indian Village. 

Pocahontas. 

Powhatan. 

Hiawatha. 

OSCKOI^A. 

Opecanchanough. 

Indians. 

Smith. 

SMITH. 
Again appears among the Indians. 
My Friends, a glad good morning to you all. 

HIAWATHA. 

Not yet recovered, reclining on a blanket. 
My heart appreciates thy cordial call. 

OSCEOI^A. 

With a bow of respect. 
Thy cordial salutation we return. 

opecanchanough. 
Thy business first 'twere proper we should 
• learn. 



54 POCAHONTAS. 

SMITH. 
My btLsinesB is the friendly search of peace, 
'Tie our desire that bitterness should cease 

POWHATAN. 

War suits our Tribe's tradition passing well. 
Lo, 
Pointing io Hiawatha, 

One among us wounded by you — fell. 
SMITH. 
Brave Powhatan, 'twas never my desire, 
That Friend of thine should fall by our fire. 
Our watchmen, hearing noise became 

alarmed, 
And so it happened that thy Friend was 

harmed, 
Yet how knew they at night without a lamp. 
But what some wild beast prowled about 

the camp. 
Should danger threaten this thy village so. 
Would not thy dart, too, pierce an unknown 

foe? 
A wise man's heart lets not his anger live, 
Friend Powhatan 'tis noble to forgive. 

POWHATAN. 

Although thy talk seems beautiful and 
bland, 



POCAHONTAS. 55 



At heart you would deprive us of our land. 
You seek extermination of our race, 
With Powhatan forgiveness knows no place. 
The word is war. Red battle unto death, 
Till not a white man breathes a single 
breath ! 
Many of the Braves with glowing eyes 
express their approval hy drawing darts 
from their quivers. 

SMITH. 

Draws from his bosom the serpent skin 
of Canonicus now filled with powder and 
shot. Yet knowing the limits of his ammu- 
nition and the vast difference in numbers 
between his own little party and the multi- 
tudes of his opponents, Smith still seeks to 
conciliate the Indians, but in vain. 
Hold Chieftain, thus far all my means were 

fair. 
Disputest this? Not one among you dare. 
A wise man chooses Reason's course to joys, 
While others suflPer from their poisoned 
toys. 

Smith pours the powder and shot into 
his hand before Powhatan. 



56 POCAHONTAS. 

An Indian's archery is a perfect sense ; 

Tosses some powder on the ground and 
lights it^ whereupon it eocplodes into the 
faces of the hewildered Braves. 
Behold a white man's weapons of defence. 
Doubt ye concerning our superior skill? 
We prove it by another method still. 

Fires his iceapon at a neighhoinng tree. 
The bullet clips off a twig. 
'Tis not our wish to fight, yet if we must, 
No lack of means shall hamper us we trust. 
Let Smith advise for yours and our good, 
Let Friendship reign between us as it 
should. 

POWHATAN. 

Are we not men of courage, thinkest thou? 
To frighten us with exhibitions now. 
Did ever Indian yet his vow forego. 
To aid his Friend against some dangerous 

foe? 
The word is war which word shall so remain; 
Not worlds of Smiths can change it or 

restrain 
These Braves from doing what is in my 

mind, 
Or from accomplishing the plan designed. 



POCAHONTAS, 57 



SMITH. 

War be it then. War to the bitter end, 
Toward peace my energies no more shall 

bend. 
Relentless Fate makes Powhatan my foe; 
When Fate decrees Smith lays his foemen 

low. 
Our Colonists no longer shall refrain 
From war or keep their honor on a strain. 
That our little colony can fight, 
Thy warriors shall learn before tonight. 

Timis to go, hid finds himself surrounded 
by Braves. 

POWHATAN. 

Thy colony shall never see thee more, 
For once thy fearlessness hath proved thee 

sore; 
To ns thy miserable life belongs, 
Bind me this smooth-tongued reprobate 

with thong?. 
The Braves lay hands on him. Smith 
f^esisis, but is finally overpowered by num- 
bers, taken captive by Opecanchanough and 
bound hand and foot. 

POV/HATAN. 

To BO address a chief is far amiss; 



58 POCAHONTAS. 

Thy life shall pay the penalty for this. 

PocahoniaSy Minnehaha and other In- 
dians of gentle nature tremble for Smith in 
afar corner of the camp. 
My war-club quick ! 

A Brave brings his huge club to Powha- 
tan. 

His head upon a block ! 

Hiawatha forgetting his wound springs 
up to plead for the life of Smith. 

HIAWATHA. 

Let mercy rule thy heart. 

POWHATAN. 

My heart is rock- 

HIAWATHA. 

Good Chieftain, pause. Pray stay thy 
mighty hand. 

POWHATAN. 

Who caused thy wound? Who steals thy 

Chieftain's land? 
The hand of Powhatan is never stayed, 
The heart of Powhatan is never swayed. 
Strict justice now ensue. Be this the plan: 
He would have slain thee. Let man die 

for man! 



POCAHONTAS. 59 



HIAWATHA. 

Siezes Powhatan's arm. 
Smith must not die ! 

POWHATAN. 

Man, thou thyself hast 
bled! 

Pushes Hiawatha rudely from him. 
Who stays my arm receives the blow in- 
stead. 
The Braves place Smithes head on a stone 
block. Powhatan raises his club. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Flings herself between Smith and the up- 
lifted club pleading for the ColonisVs life. 
He may not mean to harm us. Who can 

tell? 
And Hiawatha's wound is getting well. 
Beloved Father, were my Mother here, 
She, too, would plead with tender word and 

tear; 
Would take this brave yet helpless pris- 
oner's part, 
Compassion reigned Queen of my Mother's 

heart. 
How we both loved her you remember well- 



60 POCAHONTAS, 

POWHATAN. 

Unconsciously leiiing his club sink. 
We loved her more than human tongue can 
tell. 

POCAHONTAS. 

To please her memory who ruled thy breast, 
Set this man free. It is our love's request. 

POWHATAN. 

Dazed. 
What hast thou done! Fair Daughter 'tis 

my will. 
My love for thee like for thy Mother still 
Must be subservient to thy father's vow; 
A Sachem must retain an honest brow. 
'Twas sworn to strike whoever intercedes, 
And now, alas, it is my Daughter bleeds. 

His voice trembles. 
Yet bleeds not more my girl— nor ever can, 

Slrokes her hair tenderly. 
Than bleeds the sorrowing heart of Powha- 
tan. 
Canst bear it? 

POCAHONTAS. 

If it be my Father's will, 
His vow my heart is ready to fulfill. 



POCAHONTAS. 61 

To any fate the Spirit hath assigned, 
Can Pocahontas learn to be resigned. 

POWHATAN. 

Raises his club for the sacrifice. 
Prepare thyself. 

INDIANS. 

No! No! 

HIAWATHA. 

It cannot be, 
That Heaven demands such deed as this of 
thee! 

POWHATAN. 

Overwhelmed at the sudden outburst of 
his trihe^ again loivers his club. 
What shall be done? 

POCAHONTAS. 

Think not of me a whit, 
Perform thy duty as thou seest it. 

OSCEOI.A. 

Before attempting such a solemn rite, 
'Twere well to pause awaiting further light. 

POWHATAN. 

Whose countenance suddenly brightens. 
My Child, did not thy father promise thee, 
To do whatever you would ask of me? 



62 POCAHONTAS, 

POCAHONTAS. 

Eagerly. 
True, while the waterfall so charmed us 
both. 

OSCEOLA. 

A promise is as sacred as an oath. 

POWHATAN. 

When solemn vows conflict what ought we 
do? 

OSCEOLA. 

'Tis mete we keep the wiser of the two. 

POWHATAN. 

Braves, loose this varlet's thongs and let 

him go. 
To Smith. 
For this time be delivered from thy woe. 
Whene'er we meet again we meet to kill, 
To try thine own against an Indian's skill. 
The heart of Powhatan shall never rest. 
Till blood propitiates his angry breast; 
Till all the colonists, our deadly foes, 
Shall bite the black dust slain by Indian 

blows. 

SMITH. 

On being loosed and accorded Freedom. 



POCAHONTAS. 63 

Man, canst thou not in generous Friendship 

live? 
For this Smith hath no gratitude to give. 

To Pocahontas with revereiii how. 
Blest Indian Maid, to whom amidst the 

strife, 
Thy grateful friend forever owes his life; 
My spirit's thanks. This breast thou hast 

imbued 
With streams of warm, immortal gratitude. 
All Heaven and Earth shall learn of this 

and say, 
Thine was a noble heroine's act today. 
Though from their memories men all else 

should blot, 
Thy generous deed shall never be forgot. 

Powhatan and Osceola converse in low 
tones. Smith departs. The Indians form 
a ring about Pocahontas, their Lady of 
Honor, shower her with garlands and he- 
gin their brisk, quaint dancing amid weird 
music, glad shouts and songs of rejoicing. 



64 POCAHONTAS. 



Scene IV. 



THE BENEFACTRESS. 

Time. — Afternoon. 
Place. — Jamestown. 

Pocahontas. 

William. 

Smith. 

ROLFE. 

Pocahontas hears a basket of maize to 
the struggling Settlers. 

WILLIAM. 

Who first observes her some distance 
away. 

Behold, an Indian Maiden kindly bent 
On bringing maize into the settlement. 

SMITH. 
'Tis Pocahontas, she who rescued me, 
Persuading her stern sire to set me free. 

Clasps her hand, bowing low. 
Fair benefactress, it is passing sweet, 
Thy gentle spirit here again to greet. 



POCAHONTAS. 65 



POCAHONTAS. 

Friend, through thy veins the blood of 

courage ran ; 
The Indians love a kind, courageous man. 

SMITH. 
My gratitude can angels only tell, 
Thy generous deed my comrades all know 
well. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Thy comrades may the gentle Spirit bless. 

Hands him her basket. 
Accept this token of our friendliness. 

SMITH. 

We thank thee, Pocahontas. Thou art good 
Meet William. 

WIIvUAM. 

Gentle Empress of the wood. 
Courageous Heroine, angels hold thee dear, 
To spirits such as thine they whisper cheer. 
High Heaven upon her white, immortal 

page. 
Records thy name with all the generous 

brave. 



60 POCAHONTAS, 



POCAHONTAS. 

The Spirit walks witli thee. It pleases me 
To meet a man so noble. Ah, but see, 
The day is passing and the sun is low, 
My soul must haste away. 

SMITH. 

Before you go, 
Wait long enough to meet our Cavalier. 
Good Kolfe, thou seest Pocahontas here? 

The young Colonist and the Indian 
Maiden clasp hands. 

ROIv^K. 

In saving Smith, sweet Friend, you saved 

us all. 
For without Smith our colony would fall. 
From hearts of love our gratitude is due, 
We Colonists all owe our lives to you. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Your gratitude shall live — though now w© 

part, 
Forever cherished in an Indian's heart, 

Adieu. 

WIIvIvIAM, SMITH AND ROL^E. 

Adieu. 



POCAHONTAS. 67 

'Tie hardly proper bo, 
The lady unaccompanied should go. 

SMITH. 
Escort her back. Of courtesy the best 
Ib none too good for offering such a guest. 

ROLFE. 
Overtaking Pocahonias. 
Good Maiden, through the lonely forest way, 
Let Rolfe be your companion for today. 

POCAHONTAS. 

A sweeter joy my mind could not design, 
Than having such companionship as thine. 
William and Smith wave their hands at 
parting. Rolfe and Pocahontas wave 
theirs in return. 



68 POCAHONTAS. 

Scene V. 
BETROTHMENT. 

Time. — A starlit nighi. 
Place. — The majestic forest. 

ROLFE. 

Pocahontas. 
Walking together. 

ROI.FE. 
There is a charm about the forest dell. 

POCAHONTAS. 

A fascination. Indians know it well. 

ROLFE. 
The trees all raise their reverent arms in 

air, 
As though, mid silence, worshipful, at 

prayer. 

POCAHONTAS. 

The tender Spirit rests upon them all, 
Bestows his bounteous gifts on great and 

^ small. 
My heart has learned to love each separate 
tree, 



POCAHONTAS. 69 



Shall not the ones we love in Heaven be? 
'Tis sweet to dream 'mong all those glories 

rare, 
The trees we love shall leaf and blossom 

there. 

ROLFE. 
If those we love share with us Heaven's 

height, 
Kind Pocahontas is my Heaven's light. 

POCAHONTAS. 

In earth or Heaven Friendship knows no 

end, 
Though ages pass a Friend remains a Friend. 

ROIvI^K. 

May ours be so— a Friendship that will last, 
Though centuries on centuries flee past. 

POCAHONTAS. 

A loyal heart extends its love to all. 

Like Heaven, bestows it upon great and 

small. 
Thou hast my Friendship. 

ROIv^E. 

Thank you, Rolfe 
hath won 



70 POCAHONTAS. 

A gem that shineth always like the sun. 
Thy love is cherished like the starry land, 
Pray in return accept my heart and hand. 
Proffers her his hand. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Grasjys it icarmly. 
My friendship shall forever be the same, 
My spirit's love yon may forever claim, 
The Spirit reigns in universal space, 
All men are members of the heavenly race; 
Yet thou art white while mine is Indian 

blood ; 
Between us flows a stern, relentless flood. 
Though Pocahontas loves her Lover, still 
She must not wed against her Father's will. 
Although immortal is my love for you, 
Love for my Father is immortal, too. 
Although my Father wishes to do right, 
His heart desires not to love a white. 
It may — may not — remain forever so, 
We can but trust. Our wish high Heaven 
shall know. 

ROLI'E. 

Thy Rolfe remains the happiest of men, 
His heart is light as that of yonder wren. 
For woman's love a man can leave his all, 



POCAHONTAS. 71 

And deem this greatest sacrifice but small; 
Can live in pleasure on the fertile lands, 
Or dwell rejoicing on the desert sands, 
So long as yet his bosom certain is, 
Love blazes on between her heart and his. 
Deprived of love hope topples down to earth. 
And life remains a bauble, void of worth. 
Now Sweetheart, prithee wear my ring for 
aye— 
Beaches for the ring he is accustomed to 
wear on his finger^ hut finds it gone. 
Alas, fair Maid, my ring was given away. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Isthis the ring? 

ROL^E. 
Astounded. 

It is. Yet, can it be? 

POCAHONTAS. 

You gave it to my Father, he to me. 

Hands Rolfe the ring. 
And Pocahontas gives it back to you. 

ROI.FE. 

Restores it to the finger of Pocahontas 
Take thou it now to seal our vows anew. 
And may the circlet evermore be thine. 
The signet of thy Father's love and mine 



ActV. 

Scene I. 

THE EXILE. 

Time. — Night 
Place.— The Forest. 

Powhatan. 
Opecanchanough. 
Hiawatha. 
Geronimo. 
Black Hawk. 
Canonicus. 
Indians. 
Roger. 

A Coimcil of the Braves. The address 
of Powhatan. 

POWHATAN. 
Beloved braves, the final hour hath struck, 
Success depends on every Indian's pluck. 
We shall attack the colony tonight, 
Let not a single white see morning light. 



POCAHONTAS. 73 



Provide yourselves with tomahawks and 

darts. 
They steal your lands, prepare to steel your 

hearts. 
Let stealth rule every footstep of the way, 
Prepare yourselves to plunder, burn and 

slay! 
An unknown white man in the rude garb 
of an Indian rushes into the secret assem- 
bly contrary to the tribe's established tra- 
dition. Hiawatha instantly takes a posi- 
tion at his side. 

ROGER. 
Great Sachem, may thy servant beg of thee, 
To set aside destructions dire decree? 
We whites do not intend our brothers harm. 
Hath not the light of brotherhood a charm? 

POWHATAN. 

Thou base intruder, thinkest thou my plan 
Can be defeated by one pale-faced man ? 

To Braves. 
Friends, shall we tolerate these haughty 

men, 
Who prowl and peer about our meeting 

when 



74 POCAHONTAS. 

Our Braves are all assembled to imbibe 
The secret» sacred counsel of our tribe? 

BRAVieS. 

Nol No! 

BLACK HAWK. 

'Tis certain he is but a spy. 

CANONICUS. 



A dart. 



OPECANCHANOUGH. 

The wilderness, there let him die! 

GERONIMO. 
Braves, well you know to whites however 

bold, 
Geronimo continued blunt and cold. 
He would not now the poisoned dart oppose, 
Nor shield this white intruder from his foes, 
Had not this same intruder saved my life. 

HIAWATHA. 

Lo, Brother Braves, let us abandon strife. 

GERONIMO. 
Once walking on the foaming river's bank, 
The ground gave away and so my body sank, 
'Twas swiftly drawn into the raging flood. 
The icy current almost froze my blood, 



POCAHONTAS. 76 

And when my waning strength assayed to 

swim, 
My aching body could not move a limb. 
Twice went my body under, all its length, 
In plunged this swimmer with a giant's 

strength, 
And then my senses fled. As in a dream, 
Again my body lay beside the stream. 
Like the Great Spirit's messenger, so fair, 
A moment stood the man above me there. 
Said he, "Tis well, concerning this affair. 
My Friend, do not repeat it anywhere. " 
Nor would one sentence yet escape my 

breath, 
If further silence would not seal his death. 

POWHATAN. 

Man, thou art free. Such friendly ralor 

must 
Command long admiration, love and trust. 

HIAWATHA. 

'Tis good to know our worthy Friend is free. 
Ye heard Geronimo. Braves hear ye me. 
That fatal night, while struggling on in pain 
To reach a safe retreat, it seemed in vain. 



76 POCAHONTAS. 

Ere long, exhausted through my sorry 

wound, 
My feet gave way and Hiawatha swooned. 
But Heaven's kind protection, ever nigh, 
Provided that this man was passing by. 
As rainbow smiles pursue the frowning 

storm, 
He tossed his cloak upon my bleeding form. 
In haste he brought me water from the 

spring, '-■ 

To moist my parching lips. No bard could 

sing 
How fresh that water tasted to me then, 
On coming to my sorry self again. 
He was my staff upon the journey back; 
And aided me along the bushy track, 
Across the muddy, miry, marshy damp, 
Nor left my side until we reached the camp. 
He said he was a man who dwelt alone, 
And did not wish to make his presence 

known; 
He asked me to conceal his little acts. 
And so, till now, my heart withheld the 

facts. 



POCAHONTAS. 77 



ROGER. 
Good Hiawatha hath not told you all, 
Who plants a tree for him will apples fall. 
For years my home hath been the forest 

shade, 
Most amply was my little deed repaid; 
When gauntest famine threatened me for 

days, 
Kind Hiawatha often brought me maize. 
Thou, noble Chief, desirest to do right, 
Pray leave the Colonists unharmed tonight. 

POWHATAN. 
Wilt pledge our safety? 

ROGER. 

Here upon the spot 
Make Roger surety that they harm you not. 
If e'er again their weapons open strife, 
Let Roger pay the penalty with life. 
POWHATAN. 

Fervently grasps Roger's hand. 
The word is peace. With such a man of 

Right. 
No Powhatan shall ever wish to fight. 
Come to the camp-fire, Friend, and share 

our best, 
Thy spirit is an ever welcome guest. 



78 POCAHONTAS. 

All the Indians reverently clasp Roger's 
hand, retire to the camp-fire and in honor 
of their guest begin dancing, with renewed 
vigor, to weird music, shouts of welcome 
and songs of jubilation. 



Scene II. 
JUSTICE. 
Place. — The Indian Village. 

WiLIvIAM. 

Pocahontas. 
Hiawatha. 
Powhatan. 
Braves. 

WILLIAM. 

Arrives at the Indian Village. 
Friend William brings you all good-will 
and peace. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Welcomes him and returns his greeting. 
May blessedness for William never cease. 
Friends Smith and Rolfe are well? 



POCAHONTAS. 79 

WILLIAM. 

Yea, even so. 

Smith fiends his love and Rolfe a full 
heart's glow. 

HIAWATHA. 

Ah, thou art Roger's friend. 

WILLIAM. 

True, knowest 
thou, 

That man of heavenly build and comely 
brow? 

HIAWATHA. 

My benefactor often roves with me; 
His spirit oft portrays its love for thee. 
A generous friend to all that breathes and 
lives. 

WILLIAM. 

A genial man whose spirit ever gives. 

HIAWATHA. 

He won our Indian love with happy ends; 
Behold, the white man's foes are now his 
friends. 

WILLIAM. 
H§ seeks his brother's interest alone. 



80 POCAHONTAS. 

HIAWATHA. 

And finds his brother's joy becomes his 

own. 
Behold onr worthy Chief. 

WILUAM. 

My mission her©, 
Is to exchange a friendly word of cheer. 
My heart entreats thee, sell me if thou wilt, 
The land on which our colony is built. 

POWHATAN. 

Benevolent man, thine is a glorious view, 
The heart of Powhatan is generous, too. 
Mine own desire shall cede to you these 

lands, 
On which the white man's little village 

stands. 
Seats himself to draw up a deed for the 
property. 

WII.LIAM. 

It is not fair to cede this strip of earth, 
Without receiving value for its worth. 
Where Justice rules and balance sways the 

scale, 
There friendship and prosperity prevail. 



POCAHONTAS. 81 

But where unfairness robs the weak or 

strong, 
Indignant hearts rise to resent the wrong. 

POWHATAN. 

Hands William the signed deed. 
Accept this tribute to an honest man, 
Accept it as the gift of Powhatan. 

WILLIAM. 

Tis well, you give this tract of land to me, 

Hands him a hag of gold coins. 
Permit me to present this gift to thee. 

POWHATAN. 

Gratefully receives the gift. 
It pleases me to see, most welcome guest. 
That honesty still sways the human breast. 
Because this deed was by a Quaker done. 
Let Indians everywhere beneath the sun, 
Revere the noble Quakers in their lore, 
And leave them unmolested evermore. 

As Powhatan makes this fervent decla- 
ration, every Brave stands with botved 
head, while the sentiment leaping within 
them finds utterance in the ivords of Hia- 
watha. 



82 POCAHONTAS. 

HIAWATHA. 

Beloved Brother, love hath taken root, 
Love 8 jBower is fair. It beareth noble fruit. 



Scene III. 
THE MARRIAGE. 

Time. — Siunmer, 1613. 

Place. — The Jamestown Church. 

All the Indians and all the Colonists. 

The little place of worship, adorned with 
wild flowers, is entirely filled with guests. 

Bolfe and Pocahontas stand as the Pas- 
tor rises from his seat in the pulpit, 

PASTOR. 

Dost thou, Rolfe, Colonist and Cavalier, 
Accept this Indian Maiden now and here, 
As wedded spouse? And Pocahontas thou. 
Beloved of all, approvest thou this vow ? 
Acceptest Rolfe as husband? Do you say 
You both desire to seal your troth today? 

BOTH. 

Clasping hands. 
We do. 



POCAHONTAS. 83 

PASTOR. 

*Ti8 SO. Let life be linked to life, 
Count Rolfe and Pocahontas man and wife. 
Congratulation amid general rejoicing 
and showers of wild roses intermingled 
with forget-me-nots. 

POWHATAN. 

My love. 

SMITH. 

Best wishes. 

HIAWATHA. 

Greeting. 

MINNEHAHA. 

Happiness. 

WILLIAM. 

May all the powers of Heaven your journey 
bless. 

POCAHONTAS. 

We thank you. 

ROGER. 

Life with heavenly joys be- 
dewed. 

BLACK HAWK. 

Strength. 



84 POCAHONTAS. 

CANONICUS. 

Greatness. 

GERONIMO. 

Freedom. 

PASTOR. 

Peace. 

ROI.FE. 

gratitude. 



Our 



Scene IV. 
THE RECEPTION. 
Time.— 1619. 

Place. — London^ England. 
A gathering of notahles in honor of 
Pocahontas. 
Lord Mayor. 
Pocahontas. 

ROLFE. 

Guests. 

ivORD mayor. 
The ancient Shepherd guards us as of old, 
Count all humanity this Shepherd's fold. 
His family abides in every land ; 
He leads His children with a loving hand. 



POCAHONTAS. 85 

In every breast this universal Sire, 
Implants the spirit of heroic fire. 
In city or amidst the forest wild, 
Nobility is bom with every child. 
One child among these is Rebecca styled, 
Good Pocahontas brave, serene and mild. 
This heroine, more wondrous than a myth, 
Risked her own life to rescue Captain 
Smith. 

Holds high a iumhler of cool spring 
water. 
Friends, let us drink this crystal water's 

wealth, 
And wish this gentle lady joy and health. 

All drink. 
Now London's hand its just reward confers. 
Today the love of London's hearts is hers. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Rising spontaneously. 
Dear Friends, 'tis only noble to be meek, 
If modesty should counsel me to speak, 
My overflowing bosom could but say, 
Your generous hearts have won my love 
today. 

General applause. 



POCAHONTAS. 



Scene V. 

A HOME IN THE WILDERNESS. 

Time, — Turilight. 

Place. — Under the great trees beside a 
little log cabin. 

Pocahontas. 

ROLFE. 

WiivLY. I Children of Rolfe and 

Minnie. ) Pocahontas. 

Powhatan. 

^ pocahontas. 

Beloved Rolfe, it is the hour of hours, 
When Nature soothes -with all her gentle 

powers. 
There is a witchery in Nature's arms 
Not elsewhere found — a witchery that 

charms. 
How sweet the music of yon purling stream. 
Like distant shadows of some pleasing 

dream, 
Yon mountains lift their summits to the 

sky. 

ROI.FE. 

As though aspiring to the stars on high. 



POCAHONTAS. 87 

POCAHONTAS. 

Those joyous stars. It seems as if they 

could 
Peep in at Heaven's glories if they would. 
Willy comes tripping to climb on his 
Papa's knee. 

WILLY. 

What are those bright lights? 

ROLI^E. 

Firefliei. 

WILLY. 

They are? 

They seem to be as big as any star. 

ROLFi:. 
Some stars are bigger than this world of 
ours. 

WILLY. 
Who put them there? 

ROLFE. 

The mighty Power 
of powers. 

WILLY. 
And are there stars as far as we could go? 



88 POCAHONTAS. 

There are, my son, so far as we can know. 

Powhatan comes tcalking with Minnie 
on his shoulder. 

POCAHONTAS. 

Loved Father, 'tis a fascinating night. 

POWHATAN. 

So bright because your merry heart is 
light. 

When hearts are happy, storms are splen- 
did things. 

And lightning flashes on majestic wings. 

With heavy bosoms beauty seems a thrall, 

And sunlight throws a shadow out from all. 

POCAHONTAS. 
How like the starlit dusk is life arrayed, 
A glad yet solemn blend of light and shade. 

MINNIE. 

Bounds into her Mamma's lap. 
Thy Minnie loves thee. 

POCAHONTAS. 

And her mamma, 
too, 
My darling, hath unbounded love for you. 



POCAHONTAS 



POWHATAN. 

Come, children, it is time to seek your beds. 

ROLFE. 
Beneath the coverlets go tuck your heads. 

The children kiss their parents and walk 
into the cabin hand in hand with their 
Grandfather, 

CHILDREN. 

Goodnight. 

GRANDFATHER. 

Goodnight. 

PARENTS. 

Goodnight. 

CHILDREN. 

Sleep 

PARENTS. 

You too. 



well. 



POCAHONTAS. 

May Heaven keep them innocent and true. 
Rolfe and Pocahontas follow the others 
into the cahin^ hut pause in the doorway an 
instant to say : 



90 POCAHONTAS. 

The spot where dear ones dwell man holds 

above 
All others 

POCAHONTAS. 

'Tis home, blest object of our 

love! 
For though through all the world our 

spirits roam, 
The spot we cherish most is still our home. 



^H17 89 



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